Electronic control device

ABSTRACT

An electronic control unit includes a casing and a cover which are mutually bonded. A drive circuit board which drives a motor unit is fixed to the cover and, on the other hand, a control circuit board which controls the drive circuit board is fixed to the casing. An electrical connector which supplies an electric power to each board and a motor unit is attached on an opening section of the casing. First power supply terminals of this electrical connector and the motor unit and second power supply terminals of the drive circuit board are directly electrically connected by a bonding of both of casing and the cover.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.15/616,097, filed Jun. 7, 2017, which is a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 14/913,784, filed Feb. 23, 2016, now U.S. Pat. No.9,701,335 issued on Jul. 11, 2017, which is a National Stage ofInternational Application No. PCT/JP2014/071700, filed Aug. 20, 2014,which claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2013-194530,filed Sep. 19, 2013, the disclosures of which are expressly incorporatedby reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an electronic control device and, forexample, relates to the electronic control device which applies todrivingly control an electrically driven motor for such as anelectrically driven power steering device (EPS) for a vehicle.

BACKGROUND ART

As an electronic control device mounted on the vehicle such as, forexample, an electrically driven power steering device, such a structureis known, for example, in a patent document 1 in which a circuit boardon which various kinds of electronic parts are mounted is housed in aspace of an inside of a cabinet constituted by a plurality of cabinetmembers (for example, a casing, a cover, and so forth as will bedescribed later) and both of a terminal mounted on the circuit board andother various kinds of terminals (for example, power supply terminals ofa bus bar or so forth) are mutually electrically connected by means of awire bonding or welding (a welding to which a direct current bus bar isapplied).

In addition, in order to achieve a small sizing of the electroniccontrol device, such a structure has been discussed in which bothterminals are merely not connected as described above by means of thewire bonding or welding but, for example, a tuning fork terminal such asdescribed in a patent document 2 is applied to either one of bothterminals and both terminals can be connected from mutually oppositedirections (in patent document 2, a connection is made between an inputterminal (a reference numeral 14) of a circuit breaker and the tuningfork terminal (a reference numeral 38) of a thin thickness structure).

PRE-PUBLISHED DOCUMENT Patent Document

-   Patent document 1: A Japanese Patent Application First Publication    (Tokkai) 2010-132102.-   Patent document 2: A Japanese Patent Application First Publication    (Tokkai) 2012-124294.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

However, in both terminals described above connected from the mutuallyopposite directions, a load is applied during the connection. Hence, ina case where the tuning fork terminal (the terminal of a thin thicknessstructure) is merely applied to either one of both terminals, there is apossibility that a connection reliability is reduced due to an unstableconnection. Although it is considered that the connection reliability isincreased by making the tuning fork terminal thicker, in order to endurethe above-described load, or by reinforcing a support structure of thetuning fork terminal (reinforcing using the bus bar), this brings alarge sizing of the device.

The present invention is provided to solve the above-described problemof a conventional art. The problem to be solved by the present inventionis that the terminal mounted on the circuit board and the other variouskinds of terminals can be connected with a sufficient connectionreliability and it can contribute on the small sizing of the device.

An electronic control device according to the present invention is acreature that the above-described problem can be solved. According toone aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electroniccontrol device in which a circuit board on which electronic parts aremounted is housed within a cabinet having bondable two cabinet memberspositioned mutually opposing directions, the circuit board being mountedon one of the cabinet members, the electronic control device comprising:a first terminal disposed on the other of the cabinet members; and asecond terminal mounted on the circuit board, the first terminal and thesecond terminal being connected by a bonding of the two cabinet members,the second terminal having: a bottom surface section fixed to a landsection of the circuit board through an electrical bonding; a pair ofbending sections which stand up from both end sides of the bottomsurface section and bent in directions mutually approaching to eachother; and a pair of connection sections formed on tip sides of therespective bending sections and positioned to oppose against each otherand a tip side of the first terminal being press fitted into a spacebetween the pair of connection sections from a stand up direction sideof the bending sections to be connected to the pair of connectionsections.

According to the present invention, the other various kinds of terminalsare connected to the terminal mounted on the circuit board with asufficient connection reliability and it can contribute on the smallsizing of the device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic control unit ina preferred embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a longitudinally cross sectioned view of an essential part ofthe electronic control unit in a state in which the electronic controlunit is attached to a motor unit.

FIG. 3 is a longitudinally cross sectioned view of the electroniccontrol unit.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of a drive circuit board.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a joint section of a casing.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of each of second power supply terminals.

FIG. 7 is a structural view of a power steering device.

FIG. 8 is a plan view of a modification of each of the second powersupply terminals.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a modification of each of first powersupply terminals.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another modification of each of thesecond power supply terminals.

EMBODIMENTS FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

An electronic control device in a preferred embodiment according to thepresent invention includes bondable two cabinet members positioned inmutually opposing directions, a circuit board being installed and housedin one of the two cabinet members.

A first terminal (corresponds to first power supply terminals 25, 3 e aswill be described later) disposed on the other of the two cabinetmembers and a second terminal mounted on the circuit board (correspondsto second power supply terminals 35, 37 as will be described later) canbe connected together having a sufficient connection reliability (can beconnected without use of a tuning fork terminal or so forth). Inaddition, the electronic control device in the preferred embodimentaccording to the present invention can contribute on a small sizing ofthe device.

Hereinafter, the electronic control device in the preferred embodimentaccording to the present invention will be explained on a basis of anapplication example thereof to an electrically driven power steeringdevice. That is to say, as shown in FIG. 7, electrically driven powersteering device 1 includes: an input axle 2 to which a steering torqueis inputted from a steering wheel; and a motor unit 3 which provides anassistance torque for the steering torque. Motor unit 3 is drivinglycontrolled by means of an electronic control unit (ECU) 4. It ispossible to apply the electronic control device in the preferredembodiment to this electronic control unit 4.

Application Example of the Electronic Control Device in the PreferredEmbodiment

Electronic control unit 4 in FIGS. 1 through 7 is disposed on, forexample, a basic end section side (an opposite side to a terminal of anoutput side, namely, a terminal section of a side corresponding to acontrol circuit board 8 as will be described later) of a shaft 3 a ofmotor unit 3.

This motor unit 3 includes: an electrically driven motor not shown (athree phase alternating current type brushless motor); a motor housing 3c housing the electrically driven motor; shaft 3 a rotationally drivenby means of the electrically driven motor; a magnet S attached onto thebase end section of shaft 3 a for detecting a rotation of shaft 3 a witha Hall effect device 47 as will be described later; and first powersupply terminals 3 e (three phase motor terminals) connected torespective terminals of the three phases of the motor. This shaft 3 a isrevolved by the drive of the electrically driven motor and provides theassistance torque for the steering torque via a speed reducer (notshown). In addition, an exterior section 3 f having a large outerdimension is formed on motor housing 3 c facing against electroniccontrol unit 4 side.

Specifically, electronic control unit 4 includes: a casing (cabinetmember) 5 fixed to exterior section 3 f of motor housing 3 c; a cover(cabinet member) 6 joined (bonded) with casing 5; a drive circuit board7 housed between both of casing 5 and cover 6 for driving theelectrically driven motor; a control circuit board 8 housed between bothof casing 5 and cover 6 for controlling the drive of drive circuit board7; and an electrical connector 9 supplying an electrical power torespective circuit boards 7, 8 and the electrically driven motor from apower supply battery not shown.

(1) Casing 5

Casing 5 is a part of the cabinet housing circuit boards 7, 8. Casing 5is made of, for example, an aluminum alloy material. Casing 5 is formedin a box shape whose upper part is opened. Casing 5 includes a bottomplate 5 a and side plates 5 b installed vertically from respective edgesections of bottom plate 5 a. As shown in FIG. 1, an upper part ofbottom plate 5 a is projected toward an opposite direction to sideplates 5 b.

An opening section 10 on which electrical connector 9 is attached isformed on this upper part of bottom plate 5 a. Hole sections 10 a areinstalled on an outer peripheral edge of opening section 10. Femalescrews 12 for fixing electrical connector 9 are formed on four cornersof the upper part of bottom plate 5 a facing motor housing 3 c.

In addition, a circular joint section 11 to be fitted into an openingsection 3 d of exterior section 3 f is formed on a lower part of bottomplate 5 a facing motor housing 3 c. Female screw holes 17 for fixing toexterior section 3 f are formed on four corners of the lower part ofbottom plate 5 a. Axle sections of fixture screws not shown insertedinto penetrating holes of exterior section 3 f are engaged with femalescrew holes 17.

A circular opening section 13 for housing sensor purpose magnet Sattached onto the base end section (shaft base end section) of shaft 3 ais formed on a center of joint section 11. Three lateral length longerrectangular shaped opening sections 14 through which first power supplyterminals (three phase motor terminals) 3 e are inserted are formed onthe lower part of opening section 13. A pair of longitudinally lengthlonger rectangular shaped opening sections 16 which expose to a tipsection of power supply terminal 15 connecting both circuit boards 7, 8are formed on left and right oblique upper sides of opening section 13.

A plurality of cylindrical shaped board fixing section 18 for fixingcontrol circuit board 8 are installed vertically from bottom plate 5 afacing cover 6 side. It should be noted that a fitting groove 20 isinstalled along an outer profile of casing 5 on an upper end section ofeach side plate 5 b and a boss section 19 is formed at a predeterminedposition of the outer surface of each side plate 5 b.

(2) Cover 6

Cover 6 is, for example, formed in a rectangular shape along an outerprofile of cover 5 as shown in FIGS. 1 through 3. Cover 6 is made of thealuminum alloy material or so forth. Cover 6 encloses an opening sectionof casing 5. A fitting projection section 23 to be fitted into a fittinggroove 20 is installed along an outer profile of an edge section ofcover 6 facing toward casing 5 side.

A female screw 21 group fixing drive circuit board 7 to cover 6 isformed on left and right edge sections of cover 6. Boss sections 22 areformed on positions of respective end surfaces of cover 6 correspondingto boss sections 19. Penetrating holes not shown are formed on bosssections 22. Shank sections of fixture screws not shown inserted throughthe penetrating holes are engaged with female screw holes of bosssections 19. It should be noted that a heat sink not shown is formed ona part of cover 6 which is opposite to casing 5.

(3) Electrical Connector 9

Electrical connector 9 is attached onto an outer peripheral edge ofopening section 10 of casing 5. Electrical connector 9, as shown inFIGS. 1 through 3 and FIG. 5, includes: a pair of first connectors C1 ineach of which a substantial center section of connector side first powersupply terminal (power supply terminal) 25 is resin sealed; a firstconnector C2 in which the substantial center section of various kinds ofsignal terminals (torque/S, ignition SW, and so forth) 26 is resinsealed; a first connector C3 in which the substantial center section ofCAN communication purpose terminals 27 is resin sealed; and a secondconnector 28 to which first connectors C1 through C3 are fixed. Openingsection 10 is closed by second connector 28.

This second connector 28 is constituted by a connector holder holdingfirst connectors C1 through C3. Three attaching holes 29 a in whichfirst connectors C1 through C3 are inserted are penetrated on secondconnector 28. An outer periphery of each of resin parts 30 of firstconnectors C1 through C3 is connected to an inner surface of eachattaching hole 29 a and first connectors C1 through C3 are held andfixed to second connector 28. Specifically, when both of firstconnectors C1 through C3 and second connector 28 are connected, each offirst connectors C1 through C3 in which the substantial center sectionof terminals 25 through 27 is resin sealed is inserted into eachattaching hole 29 a of second connector 28 and connected. After thisconnection, an adhesive (seal agent) is applied to a gap between both offirst connectors C1 through C3 and second connector 28 so that a waterproof characteristic of the gap and a bonding force between the firstconnector C1 through C3 and second connector 28 are strengthened.Through the bonding of both of first connectors C1 through C3 and secondconnector 28 finishes electrical connector 9 and attached on the outerperipheral edge of opening section 10.

At this time, an attaching section 28 a is installed at casing side 5 ofsecond connector 28 and is inserted within a peripheral groove 10 bformed on the outer peripheral edge of opening section 10. On the otherhand, connector fitting sections 33 a, 33 b, 33 c are formed on anopposite side of second connector 28 to casing 5. Penetrating holes 30 aare formed on four corners of second connector 28. The shank section offixture screw not shown inserted through each penetrating hole 30 a isengaged with a female screw hole 12 of casing 5. A pin 31 is formedwhich is inserted in hole section 10 a of casing 5 between eachpenetrating hole 30 a of both end sections. Since pin 31 and holesection 10 a are formed by numbers asymmetrically with left and right,electrical connector 9 is prevented from erroneously attached left andright positions.

One end sections of terminals 25 through 27 (one end section of terminal25, for example, corresponds to one end section 90 in FIG. 9;hereinafter, reference signs are appropriately omitted) are disposed ondrive circuit board 7 side and, on the other hand, the other endsections of terminals 25 through 27 are disposed within connectorfitting sections 33 a, 33 b, 33 c.

In addition, for example, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, one end section ofterminals 26, 27 is formed in a pin shape and one end section of firstpower supply terminal 25 is in a tapered band shape and has a tip cutout in a letter of V shape. A tip inner surface of a pair of graspingsections 25 a is formed in a taper shape. One end section of three phaseside first power supply terminal 3 e (one end section of terminals 3 ecorresponds, for example, to one end section 90 in FIG. 9; hereinafter,reference signs and so forth will be omitted) has the tapered shape inthe same way.

It should be noted that a corresponding connector fitting section formedon the electrical connector of an external equipment (for example, apower supply battery or so forth) (not shown) is fitted to eachconnector fitting section 33 a, 33 b, 33 c and the other end sections ofrespective terminals 25 through 27 are electrically connected with theterminals of the electrical connector of the external equipment.

(4) Drive Circuit Board 7

Drive circuit board 7 relates to a power module which converts theelectrical current supplied from electrical connector 9 into a threephase alternating current (U phase, V phase, W phase) and drives theelectrically driven motor in accordance with a control signal fromcontrol circuit board 8.

A wire pattern not shown is formed on a board of drive circuit board 7made of a metallic material via an insulating layer. As shown in FIG. 4,power supply purpose second power supply terminals 35 which areelectrically connected with the one end sections of respective firstpower supply terminals 25, drive transistors 36 (drive elements,switching elements) in which upstream side P and downstream side Q areserially electrically connected for each phase of the three phasealternating current, and three phase motor purpose second power supplyterminals 37 which are electrically connected with one end sections ofrespective first power supply terminals 3 e are actually mounted ondrive circuit board 7.

That is to say, drive transistors 36 are actually mounted on drivecircuit board 7 in an arrangement of “two (a set of a pair of upstreamand downstream sides P and Q)×three sets (corresponds to three phase)”.Second power supply terminals 37 are arranged between each of upstreamside drive transistors 36 of each set and each of downstream side drivetransistors 36 of each set to supply the three phase alternating currentto each of first power supply terminals 3 e. A shown in FIG. 3, eachsecond power supply terminal 36 is disposed to oppose against one endsection of first power supply terminal 25 and each second power supplyterminal 37 is disposed to oppose against one end section of each firstpower supply terminal 3 e.

Electronic parts such as smoothing capacitors 38, a fail safe purposerelay 39 provided when a failure occurs, a coil 60, and so forth areactually mounted on drive circuit board 7. These smoothing capacitors 38smooth the current supplied by the connection of both power supplyterminals 25, 35 and supplies the smoothed current to respective drivetransistors 35.

Base end sections of power supply terminals 15 are electrically joined(bonded) to left and right edges of drive circuit board 7 and apenetrating hole 45 group for fixing purpose to cover 6 is formed. Shanksections of fixture screws 49 inserted into respective penetrating holes45 are engaged with female screw holes 21 a of cover 6 as shown in FIG.2.

(5) Second Power Supply Terminals 35, 37

Each of second power supply terminals 35, 37 is formed by bending ametallic plate material such as a copper material. Each of second powersupply terminals 35, 37, as shown in FIG. 6, includes; a bottom surfacesection 40 fixed by an electrical bonding to a land section 71 formed ona predetermined position of drive circuit board 7; a pair of bendingsections 42 which stand up from both ends 40 a, 40 b of bottom surfacesection 40 and are bent in directions mutually approaching to each other(hereinafter a bending section approaching direction); and a pair ofconnection sections 43 formed on tip sides of respective bendingsections 42 and positioned in mutually opposing directions to each other(opposing in the bending section approaching direction). One endsections of first power supply terminals 25 and one end sections offirst power supply terminals 3 e are inserted under pressure (pressfitted) into gap sections 44 between respective connection sections 43so as to enable electrical connections between them.

It is possible to form land section 71, for example, by opening adesired position in accordance with a shape of bottom surface section 40in a mask formed by masking a photoresist or so forth on one end surfaceside of drive circuit board 7. Since respective second power supplyterminals 35, 37 are fixed by electrically bonding this land section 71to bottom surface section 40, as compared with a case where a tuningfork terminal or so forth is used, it is easy to secure a fixturesupport area (a bonding area between land section 71 and bottom surfacesection 40) and it is possible to obtain a stable connection structure.

Each bending section 42 includes: a stand-up section 42 a projectedtoward a thickness direction of drive circuit board 7 from either bothends 40 a or 40 b side positioned mutually opposing in bottom surfacesection 40; and an extension section 42 b extended from a tip side ofeach stand-up section 42 a toward the bending section approachingdirection. The insertion under pressure (the press fit) of one endsection of first power supply terminal 25 and one end section of eachfirst power supply terminal 3 e with respect to gap section 44 betweeneach of connection sections 43 (insertion (press fit) from a stand-updirection side of stand-up section 42 a under pressure) causes anelastic deformation.

A distance between each connection section 43 (a width of gap section44) is set to be smaller than a cross sectional surface directiondimension of one end section of first power supply terminal 25 and oneend section of each first power supply terminal 3 e. Thus, bothterminals 25, 3 e are set to be inserted into gap section 44 under apredetermined press fitting force. That is to say, the distance betweeneach connection section 43 is expanded and each bending section 42 iselastically deformed to be inserted under pressure (press fit) after thepress fitting, both terminals 25, 3 e are set to be grasped by means ofeach connection section 43 under a predetermined grasping force. That isto say, as described above, a restoration action of each bending section42 which has been elastically deformed can be set to be acted as thegrasping force. Hence, since each bending section 42 can be designed sothat the grasping force gives a desired magnitude, it can contribute onthe connection reliability.

In addition, each connection section 43 is, as shown in FIG. 6, formedto be bent from a tip side of each bending section 42 (in FIG. 6, a tipside of each extending section 42 b) toward bottom surface section 40side. One end section of first power supply terminal 25 and one endsection of each first power supply terminal 3 e is easy to be pressfitted into gap section 44 along an extension direction of eachconnection section 43. In addition, one end section of each terminal 25,3 e press fitted is easy to be grasped by means of each connectionsection 43.

(6) Control Circuit Board 8

Control circuit board 8 is constituted by a printed circuit board (glassepoxy board) or a ceramic board. This control circuit board 8, forexample, as shown in FIG. 1, includes: a microcomputer (CPU:hereinafter, abbreviated as micon) 46 controlling each drive transistor36; and a Hall effect device 47 detecting a revolution of theelectrically driven motor.

This micon 46 is mounted on a surface of control circuit board 8 facingagainst drive circuit board 7. On the other hand, Hall effect device 47is mounted on an opposite surface to micon 46, namely, mounted on anopposing surface of a sensor magnet S housed in opening section 13 ofcasing 5. Both devices 46, 47 are electrically connected via a circuitpattern of control circuit board 8, the circuit pattern providing asignal transmission route between both devices 46, 47.

That is to say, Hall effect device 47 is disposed at a position of oneend side of control circuit board 8 which faces against sensor magnet S,detecting the magnetic field of sensor magnet S utilizing a Hall effectto detect the revolution of shaft 3 a. This detection signal is inputtedto micon 46 via the circuit pattern of control circuit board 8.

In addition, for example, as shown in FIG. 2, in one end side of controlcircuit board 8, tip sections of power supply terminals 15 are insertedand electrically connected by means of soldering or welding. On theother hand, as shown in FIG. 1, a cut out section 49 a is formed to passthrough one end section of power supply terminal 25 to drive circuitboard 7 side, on the other end side of control circuit board 8. In bothsides of cut out section 49 a, one terminal section of both terminals26, 27 is inserted and electrically connected.

Hence, micon 46 controls drive transistors 35 on a basis of aninformation (for example, steering torque, vehicle speed signal, and soforth) inputted from an external via both terminals 26, 27 of electricalconnector 9 and a detection signal of Hall effect device 47.

It should be noted that a penetrating hole 48 group is formed on leftand right edge sections of control circuit board 8. As shown in FIGS. 2and 3, the shank section of a fixture screw 49 inserted into eachpenetrating hole 48 is engaged with a female screw hole of a boardfixture section 18 of casing 5.

(7) Assembly Procedure

Hereinafter, an assembly procedure of electronic control unit 4 will beexplained.

First, control circuit board 8 and electrical connector 9 are attachedon casing 5 and drive circuit board 7 is attached on cover 6.

When control circuit board 8 is attached, the shank section of fixturescrew 49 is inserted into each penetrating hole 48 of control circuitboard 8 with Hall effect device 47 opposed to opening section 13 ofcover 6. Thereafter, the shank section of each fixture screw 49 isengaged with a female screw hole of each board fixture section 18 ofcasing 5.

When electrical connector 9 is attached, a substantial center section ofeach terminal 25 through 27 is attached onto an outer peripheral edge ofopening section 10 of casing 5 after each first connector C1 through C3is inserted into a second connector 28 and the bonding is ended. That isto say, an attaching section 28 a of connector holder 28 is fitted intoa peripheral groove 10 b of casing 5 and pin 31 is fitted into holesection 10 a. Thereafter, the shank section of the fixture screw isinserted into penetrating hole 30 a to engage with female screw hole 12.Thereafter, one end section of terminals 26, 27 is electrically bondedto control circuit board 8. When drive circuit board 7 is attached, theshank section of fixture screw 49 is inserted into penetrating hole 45of drive circuit board 7 to engage with screw hole 21 of cover 6.

Next, casing 5 onto which electrical connector 9 and control circuitboard 8 are attached and cover 6 onto which drive circuit board 7 isattached are assembled. In this assembly operation, one end section offirst power supply terminal 25 at the connector side is opposed againstpower supply purpose second power supply terminal 35 mounted on drivecircuit board 7 via cut out section 49 of control circuit board 8. Inthis state, a fitting projection section 23 of cover 6 is fitted into afitting groove 20 of casing 5 to fit both groove and projection section20, 23.

At this time, one end section of first power supply terminal 25 is pressfitted into gap section 44 between each connection section 43 of secondpower supply terminal 35 due to a fitting force of fitting projectionsection 23 to fitting groove 20. That is to say, one end section offirst power supply terminal 25 is press fitted into gap section 44elastically deforming each bending section 42 of second power supplyterminal 35 during the assembly of casing 5 and cover 6 and is graspedwith the grasping force due to the restoration action of each bendingsection 42 which has been elastically deformed. Hence, at the same timewhen fitting projection section 23 of cover 6 is fitted into fittinggroove 20 of casing 5, one end section of first power supply terminal 25is press fitted into gap section 44 between each connection section 43of second power supply terminal 35 and grasped by each connectionsection 43 to be electrically bonded. Thus, both of first and secondpower supply terminals 25, 35 are directly (electrically) connected.

Since, in this way, second power supply terminal is applied, both offirst and second power supply terminals can be connected with asufficient connection reliability. In addition, since it is notnecessary to apply the tuning fork terminal to both of first and secondpower supply terminals 25, 35, in this respect, it can contribute on thesmall sizing of the device. Furthermore, one end section of first powersupply terminal 25 is merely grasped and connected by each connectionsection 43, namely, is connected so as to enable insertion andextraction. Hence, even if both of first and second power supplyterminals 25, 35 are mutually electrically connected, both of first andsecond power supply terminals 25, 35 can easily be inserted orextracted. An electrical inspection of electronic control unit 4 and amotor characteristic inspection are easily carried out in insertion andextraction states.

During the assembly operation of casing 5 and cover 6, for example, asshown in FIG. 5, tip sections of respective power supply terminals 15are inserted through control circuit board 8 and housed within left andright opening sections 16 of casing 5 as shown in FIG. 1. Hence, aftercasing 5 and cover 6 are assembled, respective power supply terminals 15can be connected to control circuit board 8 by electrical bondingthrough soldering, welding, or so forth. In this respect, controlcircuit board 8 and drive circuit board 7 can be disposed in alamination state. After this electrical bonding operation, the shanksection of the fixture screw is inserted through the penetrating hole ofboss section 22 of cover 6 and this shank section is engaged with thefemale screw hole of boss section 19 of casing 5 so that both of casing5 and cover 6 are joined and the assemble operation is ended.

Then, electronic control unit 4 is attached onto motor unit 3 after suchan assembly operation as described above. During this operation, jointsection 11 of casing 5 is opposed against opening section 3 d ofexterior section 3 f and, thereafter, joint section 11 is fitted intoopening section 3 d. At this time, one end section of each first powersupply terminal 3 e is opposed against each opening section 14 of casing5. Hence, in the same way as second power supply terminal 35, at thesame time of the fitting of joint section 14, one end section of eachfirst power supply terminal 3 e is press fitted into gap section 44between each connection section 43 of second power supply terminal 37and grasped by respective connection sections 43 to be electricallybonded so that both of first power supply terminals 3 e, 37 are directly(electrically) connected. In this respect, in the same way asapplication of second power supply terminals 35, both power supplyterminals 3 e, 37 can be connected having a sufficient connectionreliability and can contribute on the small sizing of the device. Inaddition, the electrical inspection of electronic control unit 4 and themotor characteristic inspection are easily carried out in the insertionand extraction state.

It should be noted that, in a case where power supply terminal 25 and soforth is connected with drive circuit board 7 on a basis of, forexample, patent document 1, power supply terminal 25 is connected withdrive circuit board 7 by applying a wire bonding or a direct current busbar for a welding. By applying power supply terminals 35, 37 having thestructure as shown in FIG. 6 or so forth, the wire bonding and thedirect current bus bar for the welding are not needed. In this respect,as compared with patent document 1, it can be said that the number ofparts for the electronic control unit are reduced and this electroniccontrol unit can contribute on a low cost of the device. In addition,the reduction of the number of parts can contribute on a simplificationof a manufacturing labor hour and can reduce a labor.

Next, the shank section of the fixture screw is inserted into thepenetrating hole of boss section 3 g and this shank section is engagedwith female screw hole 17 of casing 5 so that electronic control unit 4is attached onto motor housing 3 c. In this case, since the electricallydriven motor and the power module are fixed to a different cabinetmember (casing 5 or cover 6), a heat interference generated thereat canbe suppressed and this can contribute on an improvement on a heatdissipation.

In addition, since second power supply terminal 37 is disposed betweenupstream side P drive transistor 36 and downstream side Q drivetransistor 36 in view of the disposition of the parts of drive circuitboard 7, a disposition interference between shaft 3 a of theelectrically driven motor and second power supply terminal can besuppressed. Furthermore, since the wiring distance between respectivedrive transistor 36 and second power supply terminal 37 can beshortened, a complication of the wiring can be suppressed.

It should be noted that the assembly procedure of electronic controlunit 4 is not specifically limited to the above described procedure.Motor unit 3 and casing 5 may first be assembled and, thereafter, casing5 and cover 6 may be assembled.

Modification

For example, each of second power supply terminals 35, 37, as describedon a basis of FIG. 6 and so forth, includes: bottom surface section 40fixedly connected to land section 71 at a predetermined position ofdrive circuit board 7; a pair of bending sections 42 stand up from bothends of bottom surface section 40 and bent mutually in the bendingsection approaching direction; and a pair of connection sections 43formed on tip sides of respective bending sections 42 and positionedmutually opposite to each other. It is possible to appropriately modifythe design if each kind of terminals to be connected (for example, oneend section of first power supply terminal 25, 3 e) is press fitted intoa space between the pair of connection sections 43 from the stand updirection side of bending sections 42 so as to enable the electricalconnection.

As, in the pair of bending sections 42 shown in FIG. 6 and so forth, ina case of a structure having: stand up sections 42 a; and extendingsections 42 b extended from tip sides of stand up sections 42 a towardthe bending section approaching direction, extending sections 42 b arepositioned so as to oppose against bottom surface section 40. Thisextending sections 42 b are flat as shown in FIG. 6 and so forth so asto have a shape that can be absorbed by a suction type automatic partsmounting machine. If so, it is possible to automatically mount secondpower supply terminals 35, 37 on a predetermined position of drivecircuit board 7 utilizing extending sections 42 b. This can contributeon the simplification of the manufacturing labor hour of the device andthe working labor can be reduced.

Bottom surface section 40 may electrically be bonded and fixed to landsection 71. An electrically conductive bond material (not shown) such assoldering may be intervened between bottom surface section 40 and landsection 71 to electrically bond these sections (soldering or so forth)or may electrically be bonded by such as the welding. In a case whereeach kind of electronic parts (smoothing capacitor 38 and so forth)mounted on circuit board 7 is electrically bonded by means ofelectrically conductive material such as soldering, it is possible toelectrically bond between bottom surface section 40 and land section 71(electrical bonding by means of the same electrically conductive bondingmaterial) during the electrical boding operation of each kind ofelectronic parts. Thus, it can contribute on the simplification of themanufacturing labor hour and the working labor can be reduced.

It is possible to appropriately set the shape of bottom surface 40 inaccordance with the shape of land section 71 or so forth. As the shapeof bottom surface 40 becomes larger, namely, as a fixture support area(a boding area between land section 71 and bottom surface section 40)with respect to land section 71 becomes larger, the connecting structureof second power supply terminals 35, 37 with respect to land section 71becomes more stable, and a durability against the press fit of firstpower supply terminals 25, 3 e between connection sections 43, forexample, can be improved. In addition, the improvement of a motorefficiency due to the reduction of the electrical resistance is achievedand a generation of heat is suppressed. In addition, since penetratingholes 45 which penetrate through a thickness direction of bottom surfacesection 40 are formed, the electrically conductive bond material in astate having a comparatively soft characteristic such as liquefied orsemi liquefied is easy to be filled in penetrating holes 45. An anchoreffect can be obtained by solidifying the filled electrically conductivebond material (the filled electrically conductive bond materialfunctions as anchor) and the connection structure can become morestable.

Land section 71 may be structured in such a way that a mask 72 isinterposed between both end sections 71 a, 71 b and center section 71 cto form mask regions 72 a, 72 a, for example, as shown in FIG. 8.

By electrically bonding bottom surface section 40 to land section 71 ofsuch a structure as described above via the electrically conductivebonding material, the terminal press fit force is, for example, actedupon both end sections 40 a, 40 b in bottom surface section 40 so that,even if a crack is generated on the electrically conductive bodingmaterial positioned on both end sections 71 a, 71 b of land section 71,mask regions 72 a, 72 a suppress the crack from being developed to theelectrical conductive bonding material. Thus, the connection reliabilityis easily maintained.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 8, a cut out section 71 a may be formed oncenter section 71 c of land section 71 to form a constriction shape. Inthis case, on bottom surface section 40, to meet with the shape of landsection 71, a cut out section 41 may be formed on center section 40 c ofbottom surface section 40 to form the same constriction shape. In a casewhere the electrically conductive bond material intervened between theconstriction shape land section 71 and bottom surface section 40 extendsoutside from the space between both of bottom surface section 40 andland section 71 in a state having the comparatively soft characteristicin a liquefied form or semi-liquefied form, the extended electricallyconductive bond material easily returns to the space between both ofbottom surface section 40 and land section 71 due to the action of asurface tension on the positions of cut out sections 41, 71 d. Thus,even if a positional deviation between center section 40 c of bottomsurface section 40 and center section 71 c of land section 71 occurs,both of bottom surface section 40 and land section 71 are easy to bedisplaced in the direction in which both of center sections 40 c and 71c coincide with each other. Therefore, the positional deviation can besuppressed.

On one end section of each of first power supply terminals 25, 3 e, forexample, as one end section 90 shown in FIG. 9, a groove section 91 maybe formed on a side end edge side of one end section 90 so that one endsection 90 may easily be deformed in a Y direction of FIG. 9. Thus, evenif a press fit angle when terminals 35, 37 are press fitted into gapsection 44 between respective connection sections 43 is positiondeviated, one end section 90 is easily corrected in the Y direction inFIG. 9 so that the connection reliability is easily obtained. Inaddition, in a case where a groove section 92 is formed on a tip side ofone end section 90, one end section 90 is easily elastically deformedwith respect to X direction in FIG. 9 and with respect to a Z directionin FIG. 9. Even if the press fit angle is position deviated, one endsection 90 is easily corrected in the X direction and Z direction sothat the connection reliability can easily be obtained. It should benoted that even if, in the case of second power supply terminals 35, 37,for example, as shown in FIG. 10, a groove 93 may be formed on the sideend edge side of bending section 42. Since this bending section 42becomes elastically deformed, groove section 93 can contribute on theconnection reliability.

It is possible to apply various materials to first power supplyterminals 25, 3 e and second power supply terminals 35, 37 if they canmutually electrically be connected. As specific examples, it is possibleto apply the electrically conductive material such as a pure copper andhaving a ductility to first power supply terminals 25, 3 e and to applythe electrically conductive material such as a phosphor bronze andhaving the elasticity to second power supply terminals 35, 37 to secondpower supply terminals 35, 37.

Others

The present invention is not limited to the structure of the preferredembodiment. Various modifications may be made within a range describedin respective claims. For example, the present invention is applicablenot only to electrically driven power steering device 1 but also to theelectronic control device (electronic control unit) of electricallydriven brake apparatus for the automotive vehicle and a variablyoperated valve apparatus for the internal combustion engine.

In addition, a binding of casing 5 and cover 6 can connect first powersupply terminal 3 e with a motor side terminal. This procedure will,herein, be explained. A substantial center sections of respectiveterminals 25 through 27 are bonded with resin sealed first connectors C1through C3 inserted into mounting holes 29 a of second connector 28.After this bonding operation, an adhesive (seal material) is applied tothe gap between first connectors C1 through C3 and second connector 28to strengthen a water resistance of the gap and a bonding force of firstconnectors C1 through C3 and second connector 28.

Next, electrical connector 9 is attached on the outer peripheral edge ofopening section 10 of casing 5 and one end section of first power supplyterminal 3 e is connected to second power supply terminal 37 of drivecircuit board 7. In this state, when casing 5 is attached on cover 6,one end section of first power supply terminal 25 is connected withsecond power supply terminal 35 and, at the same time, the other endsection of first power supply terminal 3 e is connected with the motorside terminal within motor housing 3 c.

Technical ideas other than the invention described in each of the claimsgrasped from each preferred embodiment will be exemplified.

[Claim a] The electronic control device as claimed in any one of theclaims 1 through 3, wherein the center section of the land section isformed to have a cut out section to have the land section a constrictionshape.

[Claim b] The electronic control device as claimed in any one of theclaims 1 through 3, wherein the bottom surface section has a penetratinghole penetrated in a thickness direction of the bottom surface section.

The invention claimed is:
 1. An electronic control device, comprising: afirst terminal to be assembled into a first cabinet member; a secondterminal to be connected with the first terminal; at least one circuitboard on which the second terminal and a smoothing capacitor thatsmooths a first current supplied by a connection between the firstterminal and the second terminal are mounted; and a second cabinetmember to which the circuit board is secured and which is to be coupledwith the first cabinet member, wherein at least two sets of connectioncouples are provided in the electronic control device, one set of theconnection couples constituting a pair of the first terminal and thesecond terminal with which the first terminal is to be connected,wherein at least two sets of the connection couples are disposed with aspatial interval provided between the respective two sets of theconnection couples, and wherein the connection between the firstterminal and the second terminal is to be carried out together with acoupling of the first cabinet member with the second cabinet member,wherein the circuit board is used to drive an electrically driven motor,and the first terminal and the second terminal of the at least two setsof the connection couples are power supply terminals through which anelectric power supplied from a power supply battery is supplied to thecircuit board.
 2. The electronic control device as claimed in claim 1,wherein the first terminal and the second terminal of the at least twosets of the connection couples are motor power supply terminals throughwhich a drive current from the circuit board is supplied to theelectrically driven motor.
 3. The electronic control device as claimedin claim 2, wherein the electrically driven motor is a three-phasealternating current motor and wherein the connection couples are threesets of U phase, V phase, and W phase of the three-phase alternatingcurrent motor.
 4. The electronic control device as claimed in claim 1,wherein the first terminal and the second terminal of one set of the atleast two sets of the connection couples are a set of motor power supplyterminals through which a drive current is to be supplied to theelectrically driven motor from the circuit board.
 5. The electroniccontrol device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, after a start of thecoupling of the first terminal with the second terminal of each of theat least two sets of the connection couples, the first cabinet memberand the second cabinet member are coupled with each other.
 6. Theelectronic control device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the firstcabinet member includes a motor housing in which the electrically drivenmotor is housed and a casing secured to the motor housing, wherein thesecond cabinet member is a cover in which the casing and the circuitboard are housed, and wherein the first terminal of one set of the atleast two sets of the connection couples is installed in a form of anelectrical connector, the electrical connector being secured to thecasing.
 7. The electronic control device as claimed in claim 1, whereinthe first cabinet member houses the electrically driven motor and housesthe circuit board together with the second cabinet member, and whereinthe first terminal of one set of the at least two sets of the connectioncouples is installed at an electrically driven motor side.
 8. Anelectronic control device, comprising: a first terminal to be assembledinto a first cabinet member; a second terminal to be connected with thefirst terminal; at least one circuit board on which the second terminaland a smoothing capacitor that smooths a current supplied by aconnection between the first terminal and the second terminal aremounted; and a second cabinet member to which the circuit board issecured and which is to be coupled with the first cabinet member,wherein at least two sets of connection couples are provided in theelectronic control device, one set of the connection couplesconstituting a pair of the first terminal and the second terminal withwhich the first terminal is to be connected, wherein at least two setsof the connection couples are disposed with a spatial interval providedbetween the respective two sets of the connection couples, and whereinthe connection between the first terminal and the second terminal is tobe carried out together with a coupling of the first cabinet member withthe second cabinet member and wherein the circuit board includes a powermodule which converts the electrical current supplied from an electricalconnector into a three-phase alternating current and drives theelectrically driven motor in accordance with a control signal.